This computer-animated superhero comedy film from writer and director Brad Bird was released
nationwide on November 5, 2004.
The sixth film from Pixar Animation Studios grossed over $630 million worldwide, against
its $92-million dollar budget, and won two Academy Awards, including "Best Animated Picture".
The 115-minute plot follows a family of superheroes, who, while trying to live the quiet suburban
life, are forced into action to save the world from a nefarious villain and his giant killer
robot.
It's a heart-warming and inspiring story about overcoming mediocrity to do something exceptional
with your life.
When one character reminds another that "Everyone's special", the defeated response of "Which
is another way of saying no one is."
definitely resonates.
Television mainstay Craig T. Nelson stars as patriarch of the titular family...
a washed-up and forgotten hero anxious to return to his life of world-saving adventures.
Struggling with his boring suburban responsibilities while hiding his super-enthusiasm, his layered
performance is the real heart of the picture, marking a real highlight in his illustrious
career.
Holly Hunter is featured as his headstrong wife, Elastigirl; Spencer Fox is their quick-running
son; Sarah Vowell is their shy daughter who possesses the gift of invisibility; while
Samuel L. Jackson plays the super cool "Frozone".
Besides a quick scene from the always enjoyable Wallace Shawn, the other two standouts are
Jason Lee as the crazed bad guy, and director Bird, who voices a spunky fashion designer.
The entire ensemble mesh together beautifully - bringing real charm and humanity to their
well-developed roles.
With allusions to adultery, copious amounts of implied intercourse, and several on-screen
deaths - the themes and imagery here is a bit more adult-oriented than past Pixar efforts,
but the movie maintains an appropriate PG-rating.
The Oscar-nominated screenplay occasionally pokes fun at the tropes of its genre, which
has Lee proclaim, after being distracted mid-speech, "You sly dog!
You got me monologuing!"
Elsewhere, the sight of a bickering married couple fighting crime together is such a fantastic
novelty, it's hard not to enjoy the fast-paced script.
Fortunately, it's supported by some equally entertaining action and visuals - a high-speed
chase through a tropical jungle is very reminiscent of the Speeder Bike sequence in "Return Of
The Jedi", while an earlier airplane evasion moment is particularly suspenseful.
The computer animation utilized to create all of these dynamic visuals is as impeccable
as always - illustrating the exaggerated characteristics of these super-characters in inventive ways.
Like a fun scene when Hunter must fight off bad guys while her elastic body remains stuck
between two doorways.
As the entire cast are based on humans though, Pixar was required to develop some new technology
to accurately animate the realistic clothing, skin, and hair - but, as expected, they succeeded
with flying colors.
Joining the Pixar family for this outing is composer Michael Giacchino - who would go
on to score a many of their films going forward.
His work here, joining big band horns and trumpets resembles a great "James Bond" score
- and is a terrific fit for the larger than life characters and situations.
With a majority of the plot focusing exclusively on the super-family, the scope of the adventure
feels a bit too narrow at times... as it isn't until the last ten minutes when they finally
do what they do best, and 'save the world'.
An action-packed experience with unique characters and plenty of rewatch value, it's no wonder
a sequel was recently confirmed.
"The Incredibles" may not be as touching or as clever as previous "Pixar" films, but its
flawless visuals and original story create an exciting time.
Let's check out some of your reviews now.
Calling it one of the best superhero movies, you loved "The Incredibles", with your scores
averaging to a NINE out of ten.
I thought it was a pretty GREAT film myself.